Rebuilding Paradise: Fire-Resistant Construction Techniques for Modern Homes

The catastrophic Camp Fire that swept through Paradise, California on November 8, 2018 remains one of the most destructive wildfires in American history. In a single day, 14,000 homes were destroyed, 85 lives were lost, and a community of 25,000 residents was scattered across the state. Yet within months, the first rebuilding permits were issued

Ranch House to Modern Classic: The Westerly Transformation

The Adams family of Westerly, Rhode Island, proved that a dated one-story ranch house could become something far greater than its humble beginnings suggested. By purchasing a run-down 1949 ranch and embarking on a thoughtful nine-month renovation, they transformed the property into a spacious two-story Dutch Colonial that balances historic New England charm with contemporary

Suite Dreams: Bed and Bath Design Inspiration from the 2019 Idea House

The 2019 This Old House Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a master class in residential design, showing that a home can feel spacious yet intimate when each room receives careful attention. With five bedrooms and five en suite bathrooms spread across three floors, this Greek Revival property challenged the team to create spaces

Innovative Building Materials and Smart Home Products from the 2019 Idea House

Modern home construction continues to benefit from a steady stream of product innovations that improve durability, energy efficiency, and everyday comfort. The This Old House 2019 Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, showcased dozens of these advancements, bringing together materials and systems that represent the best of what the building industry has to offer. From

Historic Home Hardware: Selecting and Restoring Period-Perfect Fixtures

When restoring or renovating a historic home, every detail matters. From the small details in door hardware to the weight of window sash chains, the hardware choices you make can either enhance or undermine the authenticity of the project. Selecting period-appropriate hardware is not merely an aesthetic decision; it is a fundamental aspect of preserving

How to Design Living and Entertaining Spaces That Work for Everyone

The This Old House 2019 Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, proves that a historic home can offer some of the most innovative solutions for modern living and entertaining. Built around a circa-1840 Greek Revival core, the house was reimagined with multiple gathering zones that flow from the front walkway all the way to the

High-Style Hardworking Spaces: Bringing Elegance to Everyday Rooms

The notion that utilitarian rooms such as mudrooms, laundry areas, home offices, and garages must be purely functional with no aesthetic merit is fading fast. Homeowners increasingly expect these everyday spaces to deliver both performance and visual appeal. The 2019 This Old House Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, demonstrates exactly how to merge style

Selecting Authentic Reproduction Hardware for Historic Home Renovations

When restoring a historic property, few elements communicate authenticity as powerfully as the hardware. Period appropriate hinges, handles, locks, and window mechanisms provide tactile proof that a renovation respects its heritage. The 2019 This Old House Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, demonstrated this principle beautifully by pairing meticulous restoration work with carefully selected reproduction

Designing Homes With Two Kitchens: Lessons From The 2019 Idea House

The concept of a home with two kitchens has moved beyond luxury estates into practical residential design. The This Old House 2019 Idea House in New Canaan, Connecticut, demonstrated this trend beautifully by pairing a refined formal kitchen with a highly functional working kitchen. Homeowners who love to cook and entertain benefit enormously from this